The Cleveland Cavaliers have converted the contract of RJ Nembhard Jr. to a standard NBA contract and have signed Moses Brown to a two-way contract, as was first reported by Chris Fedor of Cleveland.com on Thursday. That was in-line with a report from Shams Charania of The Athletic and Stadium that stated the Cavs were planning to do so.
For the Cavaliers, this move gives the team a chance to get an extended look at what both Brown and Nembhard can provide.
The Cavs have found gems in recent seasons with prior two-way players, so maybe that happens again here.
A 6-foot-5 combo guard, Nembhard has been lighting it up with the Cleveland Charge averaging 23.3 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 5.4 assists through 14 games. The Cavaliers have had luck recently in finding undrafted gems as both Lamar Stevens and Dean Wade have done wonders when given opportunities this season.
For Brown, signing him to a two-way deal is an interesting one. Brought on as Jarrett Allen insurance initially via 10-day deal, Brown has been solid when given the opportunity. As injuries have piled up, the Cavs have called on Brown more and he hasn’t disappointed. Brown is averaging 13.5 points and 11 rebounds per game over the last two games. His play has been a bright spot despite the losses, such as his performance at the Atlanta Hawks in a loss on Thursday.
What’s interesting about this move is that it makes Brown ineligible for the playoffs if the Cavs were to make it. The same thing applies to Brandon Goodwin. If they make the playoffs, the Cavaliers are likely to run a 7-8 man rotation. Both players are good for injury insurance but if one does occur to a key player, the chances of winning said series would be low anyway.
These decisions also show the Cavs’ optimism about being healthier once the postseason rolls around. Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN has reported that the Cavs are “optimistic” about getting Jarrett Allen back in time for the playoffs. Evan Mobley’s ankle sprain seems mild and he should be back sometime next week.
Rajon Rondo has missed time with an ankle sprain but had his status had been upgraded to doubtful in Wednesday’s prior contest against the Dallas Mavericks. He should return to action within the next week as well.
On the other side, however, Goodwin has made a case for minutes over Rondo moving forward. Comparing the two, Goodwin has the better scoring arsenal with his shooting and driving abilities. Defensively, that could go either way but Goodwin has been more available than Rondo has, so that should count for something.
In the end, it seems as if the Cavaliers value Rondo’s veteran presence and championship DNA for this playoff run. With Rondo, it essentially gives you an on-court coach with his basketball IQ.
In the end, these moves were to be expected. The Cavs have seemed to find something in both Nembhard and Goodwin. Pieces like those can continue to take advantage of G-League opportunities and could be candidates for the Cavaliers’ Summer League squad.
For Brown, chances are he may not stick around into next season and could also get an opportunity for Cleveland’s Summer League club.
The team has had a real knack at finding gems who seem to stick around and contribute. The best teams have that ability and president of basketball ops Koby Altman is to thank once again for these decisions.